Missionary, Writer, Child of God, World Changer. Water Is Life!

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We Have a Story to Share!

Yesterday, I had the honor of presenting at the INUMC Festival of Young Preachers. The theme of the event was “Share Your Story.” I hope this message inspires you to share YOUR story! We all have a story to share.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

A few years ago, I found myself sitting in the audience, where you are now. I remember listening to everyone who stood here, with wide eyes, and inspiration burning in my heart. They were amazing storytellers! And I wanted to be just like them… and now, here I am! It is so good to be here!

I was excited to learn that the theme of this festival is “share your story” because I believe that God has given us all a story to share… and I know that he equips us to be great storytellers.

To me, great storytellers are people who can somehow make things incredibly REAL and ENGAGING for their audience, by inviting you to take a step into their story with them, and somehow make it your own.

Really great storytellers know that the key to continuing the story, even after the last chapter is finished, is to invite people to be a part of it… they give us a role to play… a job to do… a thought to ponder… a mission to accomplish.

They use their story to change things.
To make an impact on the reader and the world.
They use their story to make more stories…
Through you, and me, and everyone we encounter.

Usually these storytellers bring life to a concept that is hard to grasp. They make even the most crazy ideas seem possible… Because they have seen the impossible happen. Their lives have been impacted by the Greatest Storymaker— GOD

Recently, I had a chance to meet with an amazing storyteller: Mike Pierce, founder of Clean Water in Africa. He came to my home to thank me for the work I have been doing to raise funds and awareness for clean water in Burkina Faso. I was truly honored that he would make a special trip to my home to spend time with me. I fully expected him to talk about the mission of Clean Water in Africa, and he did… but the story about how the mission formed was full of other stories about how God had worked miracles in his life.

One of his stories included a time when he was asked to pray out loud for the first time. He was afraid he wouldn’t have the right words. He tried to get out of it! But he could not escape the job God was calling him to do… So, he joined 3 other men in a small prayer chapel… and each of them took turns praying. When it was his turn, he found that God had given him just the right words to pray… again and again. He was astounded! It was the first time he really experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. And he believed with excitement that, in his words, “this Holy Spirit stuff is real.” And even though it was many years ago, he was still moved to tears as he shared his story… And, seeing this man talk about his faith journey impacted me in ways I didn’t expect.

His story reaffirmed that God empowers ordinary people to do his great work… even when it seems impossible!

Since that day, I have been thinking about the power our stories have to help people connect with God to form their own personal story. As people who have experienced the love and power of God in our lives, our role is to tell His story – our story – with passion and excitement – to all who will listen.

Our stories make God real to those who don’t know him yet… or to those who doubt He can work in and through our lives… and for those that need encouragement to do some crazy big thing God is calling them to do. When we honestly and openly and excitedly share how he has worked in our lives – in big and small ways – people see that He is still alive— and He still works miracles— and He still loves!

I recently saw this quote on facebook…

“When we are open and giving of our light, we create an endless reflection that outlives our human existence (Gary Friedman)”

God has given each of us a beautiful light to share with the world…

He has made us His great storytellers…

Listen to these words Jesus spoke to his followers before he went up to Heaven —

Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We know those first Christians did tell people everywhere, with the help of the Holy Spirit— and it changed the world around them in powerful ways. And I am so thankful for their bravery and perseverance because they helped share a story that impacts my life today.

I believe we have to get serious about sharing our story – God’s story – with everyone we can… because I believe there are a lot of people who are desperately searching to know that God is still at work, making stories today.. in 2015…

We all have a story that was perfectly made and formed by our Great Storymaker — and when we share that story, we invite others to be part of it… and their faith is strengthened… and lives are changed.

And, just like a tree that sends out seeds, that make more trees to make more seeds…

They share the story, too, and change even more lives…

And that’s how the Kingdom grows.

One story at a time…
one life at a time…

Until Jesus comes again to begin a new chapter…

Who will you share your story with?
How will you invite them into a relationship with our Great Storyteller God?

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2 thoughts on “We Have a Story to Share!”

Thanks a lot for your good work in the vineyard of the Lord. I have particularly been struck by the relentless efforts you are making in BurkinaFaso (according to your article in Devozine, May/June ’16). It is praiseworthy to be constructively involved in serving the Lord. Keep it up and God bless you richly!